At some point in life, almost everyone will suffer from some form of back, neck, or shoulder pain. Much of the time it is a temporary problem that disappears in a few days and requires no further treatment. However, millions of individuals are not as lucky and find themselves with acute or chronic back or shoulder problems.
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Studies show that somewhere in the region of 18% to 26% of adults will at some point suffer from shoulder pain. It is one of the most reported regional pain syndromes.
Complex regional pain syndromes range from acute to chronic with the latter lasting more than 6 months. Age and occupation affect shoulder pain, and patients over 50 are more likely to experience increased shoulder pain.
If you are one of the millions of people suffering from shoulder pain in the US, what are the treatments available? And if you are in Nashville in particular where can you head for advice and help for shoulder pain?
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can often come about simply through overuse. Physically demanding occupations can see workers pick up minor to more serious injuries that involve tendons or muscles.
Sports, certain hobbies, and even hiking can cause shoulder pain. Even backpacking and traveling can cause shoulder and neck problems. One of the tips for staying fit when traveling is to buy good equipment. Hiking boots and a quality backpack can help avoid injuries including shoulder problems.
Common causes of shoulder pain include the following:
- Bursitis
- Dislocation or separation
- Tendon injury
- Rotator cuff tear
- Broken shoulder bone
- Arthritis
- Nerve injury
- Frozen shoulder
- Bone spurs
- Poor posture and shoulder impingement
Bursitis is a common condition that appears in adults over 40 more often. It can last a few days or cause problems for weeks, and typically occurs through repeated movements. The condition happens when the fluid-filled sacs that protect your joints become inflamed. Shoulder bursitis is common in baseball players due to repeated throwing motions.
Shoulder pain can sometimes cause secondary problems such as tension-type headaches. And sudden left shoulder pain could indicate a heart attack. If you experience sudden crushing pain in the left shoulder you should call 911. This is especially true if it accompanies dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, and the pain extends from the chest to the arm, neck, or jaw.
Where in Nashville can you get shoulder pain treated?
If you happen to be living in the Nashville area, visiting and you are suffering from shoulder pain then you have plenty of choices when it comes to treatment.
Some fine Nashville institutes can help sufferers of shoulder pain.
Chiropractors
Many people assume that chiropractors only work with spines and deal with back pain. However, a chiropractor will be highly qualified to help with shoulder pain. The Ideal Health & Wellness Center often sees patients with shoulder pain, and they are experienced in this area.
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Chiropractors can help with tendonitis, arthritis, rotator cuff sprains, bursitis, and other shoulder conditions.
Orthopedics
Orthopedic doctors are well placed to deal with shoulder pain. These doctors are specialists in this area and can take X-rays and use MRIs to establish the root cause of the problem.
Nashville is blessed with orthopedic assistance such as the Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians. The Nashville Knee and Shoulder Center sees patients with chronic and acute shoulder pain every day also.
Your regular physician
If you have been experiencing shoulder pain for more than 48 hours it may be time to seek medical help. A chiropractor may be the answer for complementary medicine, but perhaps first seek medical advice from your own doctor.
Your doctor will help to diagnose what is causing your shoulder pain and can refer you to an orthopedic specialist, or a chiropractor.
Deep tissue and sports masseurs
Some shoulder problems could benefit from sports or deep tissue massage. These are not the same treatment, and you should ask your doctor for their advice first. In Nashville, Basic Kneads Therapy has been operating for over 20 years and provides deep tissue massages. Fortitude Sports Massage Therapy may also provide relief for injury-related shoulder pain.
What are the treatments available for shoulder pain?
The causes of shoulder pain will largely determine what treatments are most effective. Chiropractors can find what area of the shoulder is out of alignment and make corrections. They can also help with preventative treatment and other advice.
However, chiropractors do not perform surgery. Some shoulder problems may require more invasive treatment. A rotator cuff tear may require surgery as the problem can get more severe over time. Fortunately, though, about 85% of patients with rotator cuff problems heal with non-surgical treatment.
Treatment for shoulder pain may include the following:
- Pain killers
- Ice treatment
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Surgery
Surgery is rarely needed for shoulder pain and only a small percentage will not respond successfully to non-surgical treatment. Surgery is most likely to occur with torn rotator cuffs and tendonitis and tears.
What can happen if you ignore shoulder pain?
The NHS in the UK recommends seeking medical help if your shoulder pain hasn’t cleared up after 2 weeks. However, anyone suffering from severe shoulder pain may want to see their doctor somewhat earlier than this.
Certain causes of shoulder pain shouldn’t be ignored. Rotator cuff tears can be serious as already mentioned, and they are reasonably common. Around 2 million Americans will seek medical assistance for a rotator cuff injury every year, and about 10% will require surgery.
Also mentioned above is the possibility of shoulder pain being a sign of a heart attack. Any sudden pain with pressure in the left shoulder should not be ignored, especially when it comes to the other symptoms mentioned.
If the bursitis is untreated this can lead to permanent damage. The sac (bursa) can become enlarged and thickened. This can turn to chronic pain and inflammation.
There are different types of shoulder pain, and these can be indicators of different problems.
- Burning pain – can be a sign of impending bursitis
- Achy pain – rotator cuff problem, tear, or frozen shoulder
- Radiating pain – tendonitis or arthritis
How can you prevent shoulder pain?
If you are a professional baseball player then shoulder pain is something of an occupational hazard, and here lies the problem for many people. Repetitive movements can be a common cause of shoulder pain.
Poor posture and bad lifting habits can be another cause of shoulder pain. One of the best tips for choosing a backpack is to select a pack with good shoulder straps. This will help to evenly distribute the weight across your shoulders, and keeping good posture as well will prevent aching shoulders.
With sports, work, or travel, it is important to try to take breaks. Minimize repetitive movements by resting periodically. Adopt better posture, and follow correct lifting techniques. Preventative treatment from chiropractors can also be of assistance, as can massage therapy.
Summary
You may not feel particularly lucky if you are suffering from shoulder pain, especially if it is chronic. But, if you happen to be in Nashville you will at least have a choice of treatments depending on the cause of your pain.
Chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, and deep tissue massage therapy are all available. Seek your doctor’s advice before undertaking any treatment though. Not all treatments are appropriate for every cause of shoulder pain.